What is Parliamentary Procedure?
There are many different ways of conducting meetings so they are efficient and orderly. Parliamentary Procedure is one of these systems and is based on Robert’s Rules of Order. 4-H business meetings are an important part of 4-H club work and every club (with the exception of Cloverbud groups) should have business meetings. These meetings should be run by parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure Guide for Clubs
When do clubs meet and how long do meetings last?
This depends on the group. Many clubs meet for an hour or two after school, in the evening or on a Saturday. Some meet once a week, others once or twice a month. The most important thing is to have a regular time to get together, one that members and their families can remember and schedule other activities around.
Where do 4-H clubs meet?
Any place large enough that is convenient for the members of the group. Some clubs meet in the leaders’ or members' homes. Some meet in a central place such as a school, church, community room or library.
What do you do at the first meeting?
Get acquainted and have fun with a group mixer. Invite parents as well as new members. Share and talk about some projects the group might like. Give this some thought in advance and talk with the 4-H Educator or an experienced 4-H volunteer for ideas. Discuss when and how often the group will meet.
What do 4-H clubs do at other meetings?
4-H clubs usually do four general kinds of things: project work, business meetings, recreation or social activities, and special interest programs such as field trips, guest speakers and community service projects.
Do they do all of those things at one meeting?
Sometimes. If they have a little business to conduct they will start the meeting with it. They also work on their projects for a time and have a social or recreational part of the meeting. Sometimes the entire meeting is devoted to one project or task.